Digital Journalist, BBC News Urdu

JOB DETAILS

JOB BAND: C

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time x2 positions available

DEPARTMENT: BBC Urdu, BBC News

LOCATION: Islamabad, Pakistan

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. If you’d like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there’s no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

BBC News Urdu is seeking two Digital Journalists to strengthen our digital output from Islamabad. In this role, you will collaborate with editors and senior journalists to deliver high-quality, timely coverage that meets BBC’s editorial standards. Your work will help expand our reach and ensure Urdu-speaking audiences across Pakistan and beyond stay informed and engaged.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM
Joining BBC News Urdu means becoming part of a globally respected organisation dedicated to excellence in journalism. This role provides the opportunity to contribute to impactful digital content that serves millions of Urdu-speaking audiences. You will benefit from working within a professional and collaborative environment that values integrity, diversity, and innovation, while developing your skills and advancing your career within one of the world’s most trusted news organisations.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

• This is a digital journalism role responsible for writing, editing, and adapting content for the BBC News Urdu website, with opportunities to further develop reporting skills.
• Produce a wide range of content, including breaking news, analysis, features, and live updates.
• Generate original story ideas, propose effective treatments, and conduct interviews with relevant contributors to ensure distinctive and high-quality coverage.
• Apply analytics on a daily basis to inform editorial decisions and contribute to shaping the news agenda.
• Identify potential stories through social media platforms and translate audience needs into compelling content that meets BBC’s editorial standards.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Full command of written and spoken Urdu as a first (or equivalent) language, with up-to-date knowledge and complete proficiency in written and spoken English, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively across both languages.
• Strong expertise in data analytics, with proven experience in applying insights to shape content strategies and address the needs of diverse audience groups.
• In-depth knowledge of Pakistan and South Asia, with the capability to lead the production of impactful original digital content and deliver balanced, impartial coverage of major breaking news events.
• Demonstrated experience in commissioning, editing, structuring, and producing sharp, engaging news and current affairs across a range of digital formats, including the generation of ideas to expand audience reach.
• Established track record of working within a digital production environment, with demonstrable achievements in digital journalism.
• Excellent proficiency in social media and digital platforms, with strong skills in audience engagement, content optimisation, and off-site promotion.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Demonstrate strong understanding of digital media and current trends in the media market.
• Produce SEO-optimized headlines for Urdu-speaking audiences as well as broader regional markets.
• Proficient in leveraging technology to gather and curate content for digital platforms.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to sustain high performance under pressure, meeting deadlines and managing shifting priorities effectively.

If you can bring some of these skills and experience, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply.

#LI-AM3